The Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council is established under Public Law 106-402, the Developmental  Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act, providing for establishment of state Councils on Developmental Disabilities in all states and territories.  The Council operates entirely through federal funds  and reports directly to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration on Developmental Disabilities. Mission The Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council advocates for public policy and supportive practices and opportunities that promote the full inclusion of all people with developmental disabilities in community life. Introduction to the Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council The Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council is a public policy organization comprised of people with disabilities and family  members who are joined by state officials, service providers and other designated partners.  The Council is an independent, self-governing organization that represents the interests of people with developmental disabilities and their families. At least sixty percent of Council Members are people with developmental disabilities or immediate relatives of persons with developmental disabilities.  One member must be a person or a family member of a person once or now institutionalized.  Other members include state agency officials, representatives from higher education and local agencies and non-profit organizations that provide services and supports to people with developmental disabilities. The Council believes that all people, regardless of how complex or severe their disability, belong in their communities with the support they need to maximize independence, be productive, and lead the lives they choose.  Practices that segregate and isolate people with severe disabilities must end.  Currently, the Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council works to advance public policy, supportive practices, and opportunities that promote the following outcomes: 1)  Children with developmental disabilities have the opportunity to be educated in the same schools as their siblings and their neighbors, with the support they  need.  They grow up side-by-side with children their age without disabilities, preparing everyone to share the adult world.  2)  All children are raised in families.  Support is provided  according to each family's decision about its own needs. 3)  People with developmental disabilities have homes, jobs, and social lives in the mainstream of their communities with the supports they need to participate fully and safely. Ties with family and friends are encouraged and supported. 4)  People with disabilities have meaningful choices over important matters in their lives.  When they utilize public or private support, their privacy, security and personal plans are respected. Background The Council was established by Maryland Executive Order in 1971 (Executive Order 01.01.1987.08 [Amended COMAR 01.011973.08]) following original enactment of the federal Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act (DD Act), 42 U.S.C. §6000, et seq. Council Meetings     Meetings are scheduled at 4:00 p.m. on the following dates: September 29, 2005 December 1, 2005 February 23, 2006 June 29, 2006 If you plan to attend a Council Meeting, please notify Linda Nelson at the Council office at least 5 days in advance so that proper arrangements may be made. Our office will also be able to provide you with meeting locations  upon request. Council Membership The Council, an independent, self-governing organization, represents no single arm of government but rather  the interests of persons with developmental disabilities.  Council composition, set in the federal Act, brings key points of view to meet the Council's mission and goals. Members are appointed by the Governor.  At least 60% of the Council's members are persons with developmental disabilities or immediate relatives of persons with developmental disabilities. One member must be a person or a family member of a person once or now institutionalized.  Other members include state agency officials, representatives of higher education and local agencies, and private nonprofit organizations concerned with services for people with developmental disabilities.  Two Partner programs established by the federal Act also are represented:  the Protection and Advocacy System (Maryland Disability Law Center) and the University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research, and Service (The Kennedy Krieger Institute). Council Staff The Council employs an executive director and staff whose sole responsibility is to support the Council's  mission, priorities and activities.